NVHC Display Cabinet: Gooding Shingle Company:  Marv Fullner displays photos and artifacts from the mill started by his great uncle Edward W. Gooding in 1922. Located east of Glen Echo, the mill operated until 1918. On display until the end of December. Everson Library, 104 Kirsch Drive, (360) 966-5100.

 

Birchwood Garden Club’s November Meeting: Wednesday, Nov. 2. Ladd Smith from In Harmony will be our November guest speaker, and will present a new strategy for weed control. 7 p.m. Whatcom Museum Rotunda Room, 121 Prospect Street, Bellingham. See www.birchwoodgardenclub.org. BGC membership is open to anyone in Whatcom or Skagit County.

 

13th annual Focus on Farming: Thursday, Nov. 3. This year’s conference will feature topics and speakers including a track on the new Food Safety Modernization Act with Cornell University’s Don Stockel to prepare farmers for the new regulations, as well as raising bees, and  variety selection and production of wheat, oat and barley in western Washington. Focus on Forestry will address new opportunities in the timber industry, and the Transfer of Development Rights Program and how it affects forest land owners. Keynotes will be made by Dr. David Kohl, Professor Emeritus, Virginia Tech, who will speak on the “Positioning for Success in the Economic Reset,” and Steve Butcher, CEO of Brown Paper Tickets and creator of the Not-Just-For-Profit business philosophy. The event includes a large trade show. Evergreen State Fairgrounds, Monroe. Registration is open at www.focusonfarming.org.

 

Skagit Valley Gardens’ 19th Annual Holiday Open House “Good Tidings of Comfort & Joy: Friday, Nov. 4. We are getting ready for Christmas! Beautifully decorated theme trees, hot cider, cookies and magic. Free admittance. 5-8 p.m. Skagit Valley Gardens, 18923 Peter Johnson Rd, Mount Vernon.

 

13th annual Brewgrass: Friday and Saturday, Nov. 4-5. A bluegrass and microbrew celebration in downtown Anacortes. A total of 3 clubs, 6 bands, 51 handles. For more details see http://www.anacortesrockfish.com/brewgrass.cfm.

 

Upcycling with Ragfinery: Saturday, Nov. 5. Brigitte Parra will show you ideas and techniques to get started at home and complete a full project as part of the program. Materials provided, bring your creativity. 1 p.m. North Fork Library, 7506 Kendall Road, Maple Falls, (360) 599-2020.

 

Art’s Alive! and Holiday Open House: Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 4-6. Artists, live music, fresh cider and cookies fill the weekend at Christianson’s Nursery. Live music by Laurel Bliss and John Clark on Saturday. Friday Evening Special Wine & Cheese Event: 5-8 p.m. Weekend hours 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. For a schedule, see www.christiansonsnursery.com or call (360) 466-3821.

 

Hellebores: Glam Your Entry This Holiday Season: Saturday, Nov. 5. Join us for our first all day “Holiday Entry Planter Potting Party” featuring early  blooming Hellebores.  Bring your containers in or choose from our selection and design show stopper containers for your entry this holiday season. Special discounts. 9 a.m. Garden Spot, Nursery, 900 Alabama Street, Bellingham. 676-5480; garden-spot.com.

 

Ciderfest 2016: Saturday, Nov. 5. Enjoy hard cider tasting, brat bar and more. Noon to 5 p.m. The Home Cider Brewing Competition starts at 1 p.m. 6140 Guide Meridian, Lynden. (360) 318-7720, bellewoodfarms.com.

 

Introduction to Weaving: Saturdays, Nov. 5, 12 & 19. Learn to weave using a floor loom with instructor Aurora Lindquist. In a series of three Saturday morning sessions, learn to plan a weaving project and what materials to use, warp a loom, and create your own rug. Cost: $88. Ragfinery, Bellingham. See Ragfinery.com.

 

Lynden High School Christmas Craft Fair: Saturday, Nov. 5. Many local crafters and artists offering their talents and creations. A great holiday shopping event. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission. In the gym and cafeteria at the Lynden High School. Can food donations accepted for Project Hope.

 

Wild Mushroom Foraging Adventure: Saturday, Nov. 5. Cascadia Mushrooms presents this outdoor workshop about the fascinating and often delicious art of wild mushroom foraging. We’ll teach you the basics of hunting for common edible species of wild mushrooms in our beloved Mount Baker foothills. There will time for questions, and hopefully we’ll find lots of edibles to cook up and share after our walk in the woods. Bring a sack lunch and water, we will provide some snacks and tea. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $75 per person. See cascadiamushrooms.com.

 

Rome Grange Community Pancake Breakfast: Sunday, Nov. 6. Featuring made from scratch pancakes, french toast, sausage, scrambled eggs, juice and coffee.  Biscuits and gravy now available, too! Adults $5, Kids 6-10 $2, and kids 5 and under free. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rome Grange, 2821 Mt. Baker Highway, Bellingham. Contact (360) 739-9605.

 

International Agricultural Volunteering: Wednesday, Nov. 9. Dr. Carol Miles, Horticulturist at WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, just returned from a 2-week assignment in Mozambique where she taught vegetable crop integrated pest management to a village farmer cooperative. She will share her experience at noon at the WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, at  16650 SR 536 in Mount Vernon.

 

No-Sew Braided Rugs: Wednesday, Nov. 9. Come learn how to craft a beautiful no sew braided rug with Instructor Kirsten Wert. This four strand technique eliminates the need for sewing braids together and results in a sturdy rug able to withstand the modern washer and dryer. 6-8 p.m. Cost: $22. Ragfinery, Bellingham. See Ragfinery.com.

 

A Painless Introduction to Polypores: Nov. 9. The Snohomish County Mycological Society (SCMS) is pleased to bring mycologist Larry Millman to address our meeting. 7:30 p.m. in the Baker Community Center, 1401 Poplar, Everett.  Check out his blog at  http://lawrencemillman.com/. See http://www.scmsfungi.org.

 

Amaryllis Event: Thursday, Nov. 10. Please call or register on line for an invite to this special event with Dutch native Edward van der Reep of Netherland Bulb Company. With European finesse and style, Edward discusses indoor forcing of these blooming beauties.  Wine and treats are included. Event is free. 5 p.m. Garden Spot, Nursery, 900 Alabama Street, Bellingham. 676-5480; garden-spot.com.

 

Growing Veterans’ Veterans Day Dinner and Auction: Friday, Nov. 11. Join us on Veterans Day at Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine for a dinner and auction hosted by Chef Bruno Feldeisen, Executive Chef at Semiahmoo Resort The dinner showcases produce from Growing Veterans, and Guest Chefs Patrick Glennon and Roy Breiman will be participating. The live auction will be MC’d by Mark Wright from Seattle’s King 5 TV. Tickets available ($85-$95) at www.eventbrite.com.

 

Bow Little Market Holiday Festival: Saturday, Nov. 12. Over 30 local juried vendors. Enjoy free cider, have lunch, find wonderful locally made gifts for the season. Free entry. 10 a.m. to  4 p.m., Beau Lodge, 17581 Wood Rd., Bow. Contact Patty at (360) 724 3333 or bowlittlemarket@yahoo.com. See bowlittlemarket.wordpress.com.

 

The Latest Hellebores: Saturday, Nov. 12. Katie Miller, of Skagit Gardens, delights our floral imaginations as she discusses the newest and most beautiful Hellebore cultivars available. This is an event you don’t want to miss! Class is free. 9 a.m. Garden Spot, Nursery, 900 Alabama Street, Bellingham. 676-5480; garden-spot.com.

 

Sewing Bootcamp: Saturdays, Nov. 12 and 19. Get familiar with the care and use of your sewing machine and solving basic sewing problems, with Instructor Brigitte Parra. Sew a knit cap in the first class, and move on to sewing a knit/sweatshirt dress or tunic in the second session. Also learn how to apply embellishments and finishing touches. Take away a short guide and reference list to assist you in applying your new skills at home. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: $75. Ragfinery, Bellingham. See Ragfinery.com.

 

Rocks and Plants in Japanese Gardens: Saturday, Nov. 12. Hans Wressnigg of NIWA Japanese-inspired Landscapes will teach you the principles of making a powerful geological statement with rocks and the Japanese tradition of using plants to evoke the beauty and essence of the natural world. 11 a.m. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. Reservations required, class fee $8. (360) 466-3821, www.christiansonsnursery.com.

 

My Garden Nursery’s Pie Baking Contest: Saturday, Nov. 12. Contest starts at 2 p.m. Entries must be in at 1:30 pm. Homemade pies only; bakers may enter more than one pie. All pies are donated for charity sale following contest. All ages event. RSVP to (360) 366-8406 or mygardennursery@gmail.com. My Garden Nursery, 929 E. Bakerview Road, Bellingham. See www.mygardennursery.com.

 

Lummi Island Artists’ Holiday Studio Tour: Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 12-13. More than two dozen artists and craftspeople offering their work at 11 locations around the island. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tour maps will be available at THE ISLANDER STORE (just south of the ferry dock, 758-2190) or see www.lummi-island.com/studio-tour.

 

Skagit Habitat For Humanity Orientation: Saturday, Nov. 12. An affordable housing orientation and application meeting takes place 2:30-3:30 p.m. at the Burlington Public Library, 820 E Washington St  Burlington. For more  information see www.skagithabitat.com.

 

Saying Thank You to All Who Serve: Wednesday, Nov. 16 and Friday, Nov. 18. Celebrate National Gratitude Month by creating a card or letter for our Deployed Troops, New Recruits, Veterans, and Wounded Heroes in conjunction with Operation Gratitude. Supplies will be furnished. All ages are welcome, but children must be accompanied by adult/caregiver. Cards and letters will be mailed in bulk after the event. For all ages. 3:15 p.m. Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street, (360) 305-3637.

 

The Stocking Project: Wednesday, Nov. 16. Bring material and sewing supplies to sew a stocking to be donated to a child or family in need! Instructors are Jeni Cottrell and Harold Niven. Patterns and assistance will be provided, though familiarity with a sewing machine is necessary. Stockings will be displayed at Ragfinery and the Firehouse Cafe in Fairhaven, then filled and donated to those in need by Northwest Youth Services, Interfaith Coalition and Opportunity Council. Please pre-register. 6-8 p.m. Cost is free. Also held Saturday, Dec. 3 from 1-3 p.m. Ragfinery, Bellingham. See Ragfinery.com.

 

Whatcom Food Network Fall Forum: Thursday, Nov. 17. Join us for a presentation about the Center for Good Food Purchasing, a national organization spearheading powerful initiatives for food system transformation through values-based food procurement with Colleen McKinney, Associate Director. There will also be a session with Mark Peterson, local waste industry expert from Sustainable Connections. He will speak on the challenges and opportunities currently surrounding organic food waste in Whatcom County. 1 – 5 p.m. Whatcom Public Works Building, The Garden Room, 322 N. Commercial Street, Bellingham. See the Facebook page to RSVP.

 

Ingredients: Thursday, Nov. 17. Viva Farms is hosting a screening of the documentary film Ingredients at the Lincoln Theatre in Mount Vernon. The event includes a short documentary on Viva Farms followed by a discussion about the effort to preserve sustainable farming culture, create a strong and just food economy and provide aspiring and limited-resource farmers opportunities for success. Locally produced beer, wine and cider will also be served. $12 per person or $15 per person includes one beer/wine/cider. Children 10 and under free, 2 per paid adult. Tickets available through lincolntheatre.org.

 

Home for the Holidays: Thursday, Nov. 17 through Saturday, Nov. 19. Annual holiday food and gift show at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, 355 Harris Ave., Fairhaven. Selection of holiday gifts, crafts, food and more. Thursday hours 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Free admission and free parking. See homefortheholidaysbellingham.com.

 

Everett-Schack Art Center’s Annual Holiday Exhibit: Opening Nov. 17 and running through Dec. 24. For the holidays, Schack Art Center is featuring the artist guild Seattle Print Arts in the exhibit Pressing On, as well as glass and pottery by regional artists.Schack Art Center, 2921 Hoyt Ave., Everett, (425) 259-5050, www.schack.org.

 

Winter Holiday Used Book Sale: Friday and Saturday, Nov. 18-19. Great selection of new arrivals; something for everyone. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Behind Peoples Bank across from the Everson Library. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Everson Library, 104 Kirsch Drive.

 

Annual Allied Arts Holiday Festival of the Arts: Starting Friday, Nov. 18 and running through Christmas Eve. Five-week long festival featuring the work of over 100 local artisans and crafts people at 4145 Meridian Street, Bellingham. Open daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day and closing at 3 p.m. on Dec. 24. For complete information see www.alliedarts.org.

 

18th annual Kale House Art and Craft Sale: Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 18-19 and 25-26. This year the juried work of approximately 20 artists from Whatcom County will be featured.  The show will include ceramics, jewelry, fiber art, paintings, mixed media, and décor for home and garden, all artistically displayed and sold throughout the 1920’s era home.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 201 Kale Street, Everson. See kalehouse.net.

 

Mount Vernon Farmers Market 3rd annual Harvest Market: Saturday, Nov. 19. Come pick up fresh, local ingredients to prepare your Thanksgiving meal and do some early gift shopping for the holidays. Best Western Skagit Valley Convention Center, Mount Vernon. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. See mountvernonfarmersmarket.org.

 

Gardenview Montessori 10th Annual Family Friendly Holiday Bazaar: Saturday Nov. 19. Featuring local vendors, a silent auction, bake sale and activities for children. Free admission. Free ticket at the door for each child to use for a kid’s craft, kid’s game or kid’s raffle entry. Visit the event’s website at www.gardenviewbazaar.com for more information. Hillcrest Chapel, 1400 Larrabee Ave., Bellingham. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.gardenviewbazaar.com.

 

Anacortes Farmers Market Holiday Market: Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 19-20. Get your holiday produce, stock up on your favorite vendors’ goods and find that perfect handmade holiday gift during this special two-day indoor event at the Port of Anacortes. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admittance! At the Port, 100 Commercial Ave, Anacortes  (not the Depot). See anacortesfarmersmarket.org.

 

Trinkets and Treasures Holiday Craft Market: Saturday, Nov. 19. Craft and food vendors, a bake sale, espresso and businesses. Hosted by the Ferndale Band Boosters, this is a fundraiser for the Ferndale High School Band. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ferndale High School  Gymnasium, 5830  Golden Eagle Dr., Ferndale. See https://www.facebook.com/FHS.TrinketsandTreasures/.

 

Christmas In The Woods Party: Saturday, Nov. 19. Garden Spot is decked out for the season. Step into our beautiful winter garden for Treats in The Trees. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ending with afternoon desserts. Please call or register on line or call to  get an invite to this special  event. Garden Spot, Nursery, 900 Alabama Street, Bellingham. 676-5480; garden-spot.com.

 

Conifer Walk with John Christianson: Saturday, Nov. 19. Join John Christianson on a casual tour to enjoy and learn about many great conifers in the nursery’s display gardens and at adjoining La Conner Flats. Dress for the weather and wear good shoes for muddy spots. 1 p.m. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. Free, reservations requested, (360) 466-3821. www.christiansonsnursery.com.

 

Star Ornaments:  Saturday, Nov. 19. Learn to make beautiful 8-pointed 3D folded paper star ornaments using specialty papers with Laura Kollmar. Materials provided. Please register online at WCLS.org as space is limited. 3 p.m. Deming Library, 5044 Mt. Baker Highway, (360) 592-2422.

 

Pioneer Meadows Montessori annual Holiday Craft Market: Saturday, Nov. 26. Local artists selling top quality handmade crafts for all ages, face painting, baked goods, live music performances and more. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pioneer Meadows Montessori school, 2377  Douglas Road, Ferndale. This market also serves as a fundraising benefit, 15% of proceeds will be donated to Pioneer Meadows Montessori School tuition assistance program. For more information, see the event page at www.facebook.com/group/montessoricraftmarket.

 

Inkle Loom Weaving: Saturday, Nov. 26. Inkle weaving is done using a tabletop Inkle loom (provided) to make narrow bands of weaving: bookmarks, belts, decorative ties, and more. Students will learn the basics and make a chosen project. 1-4 p.m. Instructor: Aurora Lindquist. $33. Ragfinery, Bellingham. See Ragfinery.com.

 

Decorate A Christmas Wreath With Nancy: Saturday, Nov. 26. Come have a ball making Northwest evergreen wreaths adorned with holly, twigs, and berries, topped off with a gorgeous bow.  Workshop fee is $39 and includes all supplies. 9 a.m. Garden Spot, Nursery, 900 Alabama Street, Bellingham. 676-5480; garden-spot.com.

 

21st Annual Holiday Tea at Christianson’s Nursery: Saturday, Nov. 26. Sign up early to share in a holiday tradition in Christianson’s 1888 Schoolhouse with tea, cider and assorted delicacies, a forest-theme décor, candlelight and the live music of autoharpist Bob Harper and violinist/cellist Dennis Burkhardt. Complimentary, but reservations required. Donations will benefit the La Conner Library Foundation. Noon to 5 p.m. Reservations required, (360) 466-3821. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. www.christiansonsnursery.com.

 

Arrival of Father Christmas: Saturday, Nov. 26. Father Christmas will be in his red sleigh nestled among the trees in the South Greenhouse at Christianson’s Nursery. Come in your holiday finest and bring your cameras to take your own keepsake photos. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. Complimentary. www.christiansonsnursery.com.

 

Holiday Wreath-making Classes with Karen Harper: Saturday, Nov. 26. Deck the halls with ease by using wreath-making machines and getting practical and inspiring help of designer Karen Harper. These are one-hour classes (starting at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.). Greens are sold by the pound or feel free to bring your own. The cost of one wreath form is included in the class fee. Wear warm clothing and bring your own pruners and gardening gloves. Reservations required, (360) 466-3821. Class fee $8. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon.

 

Teen Holiday Gift Making Free-For-All:  Tuesday, Nov. 29. We provide all the materials for making an assortment of crafts: jewelry, key rings, bookmarks, greeting cards and more! For grades 6-12.  3-4:30 p.m. Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street, (360) 305-3637.

 

Washington Small Fruit Conference: Wednesday through Friday, Nov. 30-Dec. 2. A three-day conference with latest relevant research information delivered by the scientists performing the research. Lunches each day are provided. This conference is presented in association with the Lynden Ag Show, a trade show featuring vendors serving the small fruit community. NW Washington Fairgrounds, Lynden.  For more information, see  http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/edu/sfc/.

 

The Gamble: The Washington Potato Story: Wednesday, Nov. 30. The Washington Potato Commission is hosting a private showing of “The Gamble,” a documentary about the history of potato farming in Washington State. A reception will be held at 6 p.m., followed by the showing at 7 p.m. at the Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First Street in Mount Vernon. For a ticket, please RSVP to Katy Dray by Nov. 22  to kdray@potatoes.com or call (509) 765-8845.

 

Sewing Bootcamp, Level 2: Wednesdays, Nov. 30 and Dec. 7. This class will wow you, going beyond the basics into darning, gathering, pleating, hemming, adding button holes, zippers and other fasteners, working with tricky fabrics, and hand sewing/finishing. Learn to understand the limitations of and combine various fibers to create beautiful results. Instructor: Brigitte Parra. 6-8 p.m. Cost: $44. Ragfinery, Bellingham. See Ragfinery.com.

 

DECEMBER EVENTS: See our online calendar at www.grownorthwest.com for a full listing of December events.